The Fifth Liners

News broke recently that Raffi Torres has signed a PTO contract with the Carolina Hurricanes and will attend training camp next month. Torres is an controversial character who's earned nearly twice as many penalty minutes as he has points since joining the NHL way back in the 2001/02 season (260 points, 497 PIM). Drafted by the New York Islanders in 2000, Torres has also plied his trade for the Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Phoenix Coyotes and most recently the San Jose Sharks. As well as a raft of AHL teams. Currently an Unrestricted Free Agent; Torres hasn't played a game in the NHL since October 2015 when he was suspended for 41 games after an illegal check on Jakob Silferberg: Not cool. Who can forget Torres' hit on Marian Hossa that earned him a 25 game suspension? Later reduced to 21 on appeal. So the fella isn't going to win the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy any time soon, but he's still a skater who needs...

Brendan Shanahan delivered a lot on the ice during his glorious 21 year NHL career that took in stints with the New Jersey Devils, St Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers and most famously the Detroit Red Wings (where he won three Stanley Cups). But it appears that his legacy is spreading further in his new role as Director of Player Safety. Since his appointment in 2011, Shanahan has taken a hard line on player safety and if someone crosses over with an illegal hit, then the infamous 'Shana-ban' will be enforced. Raffi Torres has twice been on the receiving end as his horrendous hit on Martin Havlat whist playing for Phoenix landed him with a 21 game ban (the longest of the 21st century so far!) and last year whilst a San Jose he his illegal check on LA King's Jarret Stoll landed him with a ban from the playoff second round! Many would use this assignment as a cushy job to keep them in the hockey world, Shanahan however has been praised for his involvement...

Raffi Torres is back in the NHL's bad books again after bringing down Jarret Stoll . After the incident which Alex  reported yesterday , Torres has been handed a series ban. This means he won't play against the Sharks again this series. This is a divisive issue, the interweb is full of people who reckon it was a clean hit, including Mike Commodore who said on twitter that the hit was shoulder to shoulder. What do you think? Alex's Edit: On reflection, Torres' hit on Stoll may not have as severe as some of his greatest hits, but the intent to hurt was clear for all to see, particularly as Stoll got caught on the head! It also doesn't help matter that he has been a repeat offender down the years and it seems the league is sending a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated! Torres can be a fine player, but its moments like these that let him down and the Sharks will miss him as a result! 

San Jose 's Raffi Torres has once again landed himself in hot water over his seemingly illegal hit on Jarret Stoll in Game One of their semi final series against the Los Angeles Kings . No stranger to controversy, Torres has previously served a 25 game ban during his stint at Phoenix for his horrendous hit on Chicago's Marion Hossa! No penalty was called for his hit on Stoll but the Kings player did not return to the ice, Torres will be suspended as the investigation continues which could be a blow to the Sharks as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit! For the full story, go to  NHL.Com

San Jose Sharks took another giant step towards advancing to the Western Conference semi-final as they beat the Vancouver Canucks in overtime at the Rogers Arena! This win seems to give further evidence to the fact that they cannot be ruled out for a run to the final! Joe Thornton got San Jose started with a goal in the first period, but the Canucks swooped into the lead early in the third period thanks to an impressive double salvo by Ryan Kesler. But just as the home fans were beginning to celebrate a well deserved win, Patrick Marleau levelled the scores with 55.1 second left to push the game to overtime! Five minutes into overtime, the Sharks made a bold call to pull their goalie Antti Niemi in favour of the extra skater and it was a move that paid off as former Canuck Rafi Torres roofed a shot past Luongo to give San Jose the win! With the series now moving to the HP Pavilion for the next two games, it will be no easy task to get a result away from home for Van...

Confirmed by the Sharks' FaceBook page. San Jose Sharks now have Coyotes forward and man with a thorough  understanding of illegal hits Raffi Torres. Phoenix Coyotes get a third round pick in exchange. California here we come!